RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) corporate affairs and quality manager Pride Khumbula has underscored the essential role of sustainable practices, effective policies and media engagement in addressing environmental issues.
Khumbula made the remarks at the recent 2024 Environmental Reporter of the Year Awards, hosted and sponsored by RTG and local environmental focused group, Environment Africa.
“Journalists play a vital role in the sustainability movement, exposing illegal activities, celebrating successes like reforestation and holding stakeholders accountable. Your stories inspire policies, challenge corporate practices and motivate individuals to live more sustainably,” Khumbula said.
She outlined RTG’s initiatives toward sustainability, highlighting key projects, which include a 300kVA solar energy plant at its Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre, with 200 kVA grid-tied to support the local community.
The hospitality group’s other sustainability efforts include the Tree for Every Room Initiative, fostering environmental consciousness, implementing energy-efficient systems and forming partnerships with schools to encourage students to plant, name and care for trees.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability, just as your work shapes public awareness,” Khumbula said.
Some of the winners of the awards were Alpha Media Holdings journalists Kennedy Nyavaya, who won the 2024 Best Climate Change Story and Moses Mugugunyeki, who took home the 2024 Best Water and Sanitation Story.
Mugugunyeki was also a runner-up in the Best Gender and Environment category.
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The awards were held under the theme, Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience: Our Land, Our Future.
Environment, Climate, and Wildlife acting permanent secretary Lovemore Dhoba said journalism stories inspired climate action, shaped public opinion, influenced policy and drove meaningful change.
“They galvanise communities, spark movements and hold policymakers accountable,” Dhoba said.
“Your reporting has illuminated environmental negligence and injustice, compelling organisations like the Rainbow Tourism Group to take meaningful climate action.
“However, your noble pursuit is not without challenges. Environmental journalism often faces hurdles such as limited resources, misinformation and censorship.”
Dhoba called for collective action to address environmental challenges threatening Zimbabwe’s biodiversity and heritage.
“Zimbabwe, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is a national treasure worth protecting,” he said.
“Yet, our heritage is under threat from climate change, deforestation, pollution and wetland degradation. These challenges demand collective action from the government, private sector, communities and the international community.”
